THE DON DAVIS GARAGE
VOL. IV NO. 8 SPECIAL TECHNICAL ARCHIVE ISSUE AUGUST 1966 / RETROSPECTIVE

THE RACING LEGACY:

A MASTER BUILDER'S PERSPECTIVE

How decades of high-performance racing, track mechanics, and suspension geometry informed the pursuit of absolute ground-effect aerodynamics.

From piloting sports cars on historic circuits to his monumental 19-year restoration of the legendary Ford GT40 Mk2 Chassis P/1012, Don Davis spent decades mastering automotive engineering. Restoring P/1012 with a factory tub flown from FAV in England alongside Holman & Moody and John Wyer laid the foundation of craftsmanship. In his San Clemente garage, these race-track principles were applied to solve the extreme handling and aerodynamic demands of his custom twin-turbo Superlite SLC.

TRACK SPEC REF // 049

DON DAVIS GARAGE

Superlite SLC Red Sportscar Render
LOADING SYSTEM RENDER
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The custom-built Superlite SLC: A TIG-welded aluminum semi-monocoque masterpiece with mid-mounted V8, scissor doors, and custom thermal insulation.

ENTER SYSTEM DIAGRAMS →

EXCLUSIVE FEATURE:

BUILDING THE SUPERLITE COUPÉ

From the high-banked oval tracks of vintage GT40 racing to the precision tolerances of a custom Southern California workshop.

TRACK TO ROAD

Applying race track principles to composite fiberglass alignment and active downforce tuning.

MONOCOQUE RIGIDITY

A detailed look into the TIG-welded aluminum structure that mirrors aviation specifications.

DESIGN SPEC: MONOCOQUE TUB CALIBRATED: SAN CLEMENTE, CA
DON DAVIS ARCHIVES — EST. 1966 PRICE: $1.50 FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION ©
SYS-REF: D-DAVIS-GARAGE

FROM GT40 TRACKS TO SLC INNOVATION

DWG NO: DD-1966-2026 SCALE: 1:16 // INTERACTIVE CHECKED BY: D. DAVIS
OFF
CALCULATED ROLL CENTER (Rc) SUSPENSION GEOMETRY LAYOUT FORD GT40 MK1 - GROUND PROFILE LOW DRAG COEFFICIENT (Cd) WHEELBASE: 95 INCHES DYNAMIC VERTICAL DOWNFORCE ALUMINUM MONOCOQUE TUB SUPERLITE SLC CHASSIS DYNAMICS
1966 THE ORIGINS
THE TRACK THE BITS
NOW THE VALUE
Don Davis Portrait
DON DAVIS

Tuning and racing high-performance sports cars in the 1960s, mapping out track setups, mechanical geometry, and vehicle handling response to absolute precision.

SPECIFICATION BREAKDOWNS

CHASSIS Rigid structural layouts, custom suspension components, and track-ready calibration.
POWERPLANT Longitudinally mounted V8 engine blocks and thermal parameters.
AERO / THERMAL Custom insulated barrier panels and composite heat management.
TRACK LOGBOOK ENTRY 1960s SECTOR
GT40 Vintage Racing
Fig. A: Don Davis piloting the Ford GT40 MK1 on racing track.

SUBJECT: GT40 MK2 CHASSIS P/1012 RESTORATION LOG

STATUS: RECONSTRUCTION / 1970

Acquired the fire-damaged remains of P/1012 from Holman & Moody. The original frame is compromised. Sourced and imported a replacement monocoque tub directly from Ford Advanced Vehicles (FAV) in England.

Reconstruction in progress with the original H&M builders and John Wyer's racing specifications. Retaining the 1966 Daytona 2nd place heritage.

- page 12 -
DIGITAL LOGBOOK & ARCHIVE
Superlite SLC Track Trials

SLC Chassis #001: Track Trials

The custom red Superlite SLC completed and undergoing track tuning. Celebrating the union of physics, track engineering, and craftsmanship.

ENGINEERING SPEC SHEET

CHASSIS TIG-welded aluminum semi-monocoque
POWERPLANT Mid-mounted V8 configuration
BODYWORK Composite fiberglass/carbon layout with scissor doors
THERMAL SHIELD Race-grade custom thermal insulation
BUILD PHASES:
SLC Final Track Trials
Chassis Tub 01. CAD Tub Structure
Fiberglass Alignment 02. Body & Aero Setup
Paint Finish 03. Finished Render
CUSTOM V8 LAYOUT

MID-ENGINE PERFORMANCE SPECS

Engine block blueprints adapted with custom thermal mitigation. Calculated displacement and flow rates optimized for San Clemente altitude and coastal humidity levels.

PARAMETER SPECIFICATION VALUE
Configuration Mid-Engine Longitudinally Mounted V8
Block Material Aluminum Alloy with Custom Sleeves
Induction Naturally Aspirated with Carbon Fiber Air Intake
Cooling System Dual-core Side Radiators with High-flow Fans
Exhaust Layout Custom TIG-Welded Stainless Steel Headers